MORE ABOUT COURT REPORTING

Most of the estimated 35,000 court reporters in the United States work in court or as freelancers hired to report pretrial depositions. Their job has two parts:

Reporters capture the words spoken by everyone during the proceeding; and

They prepare a transcript of the proceeding. The transcript helps safeguard everyone’s rights in the legal process. When litigants want to exercise their right to appeal an unfavorable decision, they will rely on the transcript to provide an accurate record of what transpired during their case.

Reporters use computers and a specialized machine called a stenotype to do their job. The stenotype enables reporters to write words by their sound rather than how they are spelled, which allows for greater speed. Computer-aided transcription (CAT) then electronically links the stenotype to a computer, which translates the reporter’s notes into English text that can be researched, corrected, telecommunicated, stored on CD-ROM or other computer media, integrated with a videotape — or simply printed out in a conventional or condensed-format transcript.

Court reporters are taking their skills and technology to another level by providing instant transcripts on computer screens as the trial or deposition is going on. Known as “realtime,” this process allows court reporters to convert their stenographic notes into English text instantly. The text is then displayed on computer monitors or projection screens for viewing by larger groups. It is especially helpful in providing deaf or hearing-impaired people with the same legal benefits as hearing persons.

About Court Reporters

• The U.S. Department of Labor projects that reporting job opportunities will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
  
  
• There are an estimated 35,000 court reporters in the United States.
  
  
• 64% of reporters are between the ages of 25–44.
  
  
• About 27% of judicial reporters in the U.S. actually work in court. A majority are hired by attorneys to report depositions.
  
  
• Court reporters are responsible for certifying the accuracy and integrity of the record and can testify to those points if necessary.
  
  
• Many court reporters provide realtime translation of proceedings during trail.
  
  
• Court reporters sort and discriminate between testimony and background noise, and use common sense to transmit information — as opposed to electronic recording devices which cannot.
  
  
• Court reporters capture proceedings digitally as well as on paper.
  
  
• Court reporters undergo a minimum of two years of academic and skills training and must earn continuing education units to keep their certification.
  
  
• Court reporting provides middle-class, skilled jobs.
  
  
• More than 100 community colleges and proprietary schools offer training programs in reporting.
  
  
• To graduate, students typically need to perform machine shorthand at a speed of at least 225 words per minute.